How to get a work permit for Estonia

Estonia is emerging as a destination for those looking for a career in Europe. The country has simple requirements for getting a visa and also offers the option to bring one’s family which makes it an attractive overseas job destination.

Work visa options for non-EU citizens

• As a citizen from a non-EU country and would like to work in Estonia for a short time (up to 6 months in a year), You will have to apply for a D-visa. Your employer can register your short-term jobs with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board before applying for a D-visa.
• If you want to work in Estonia for a longer time (longer than 6 months), you need to apply for a residence permit. At first, you must apply for a temporary residence permit (with your first permit, for work up to 2 years). You may then apply for a long-term residence permit after having lived in Estonia for 5 years on a temporary residence permit.
• If you wish to settle in Estonia permanently, you can also apply for a temporary residence permit for settling in the country permanently

Requirements to get a work visa

In order to apply for a work visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Job offer from a company in Estonia
• A standard work contract from your employer in Estonia
• Permission of the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund for employment (if required)
• Invitation by the employer which shall be completed by the employer and submitted to the Police and Border Guard Board

You can apply for a work visa if you are:

• An employee transferred within an undertaking
• employed as a temporary agency worker
• Hired on the basis of the European Union (EU) blue card
• Hired for scientific research
• Are employed as a top specialist
• working at a start-up
• Employed with the consent of Estonian unemployment insurance fund and by matching the salary criteria
• Working with the consent of Estonian unemployment insurance fund and not matching the salary threshold criteria
• Working as an expert, consultant, or advisor (professional qualification is mandatory) without consent of Estonian unemployment insurance fund but fulfilling the salary criteria
• Applying for shortage occupations, listed by Government and without the consent of Estonian unemployment insurance fund but fulfilling the salary criteria

Documents required to apply for a work permit

• Completed application form
• Copy of valid passport
• Passport-size photo
• Receipt of payment of embassy visa fees which is 100 Euros
• An insurance policy with protection for the length of the stay of at least EUR 30 000
• Documents showing the intent of the travel, such as a letter from the host, job documents, research documents, evidence of family relations
• Biometric information
• Proof of English language proficiency if required by the employer
• Information about your accommodation in Estonia

Once you submit your visa application, it may take 30 days to get processed.